Communication is one area in my life that I absolutely struggle with the most. As I grow into a semi-functioning adult, I am forced more and more to have big girl talks about what I am feeling, what I want and what I need. These are my 10 most frequent thoughts I have while communicating like a grown up.

1. Omg please do not try and talk about your feelings or mine ... I am not ready.

2. So, we are really doing this right now? Okay, let me gather my thoughts.

3. I've got this. I am ready, I know what I am going to say.

4. It's my turn to speak, okay, don't mess this up. Say it exactly how you practiced.

5. Oh, wow, that came out well. Look at me being an adult. Maybe I'm not as bad at this as I thought.

6. Wait what was that? You have feelings and needs that oppose mine? I wasn't ready for that and we were doing so well!

7. It's time to shut down and stop this conversation. Abort the mission of trying to be a functioning adult.

8. This conversation has accomplished nothing and I knew I didn't like talking about my feelings for a reason.

9. No, I should probably try one last time. Say what you need to say.

10. They understand what I am saying! I understand what they're saying! This is what this mysterious thing called communication? I should do this more often.

Effective communication requires continuous effort and no matter how scary it may seem, I promise if you just stick with it and say what you mean, you're relationships will reap endless rewards.